How UPDF have zoned Kampala ahead of Besigye – Bobi deadly protests

The government is increasingly becoming worried of the next move of opposition heavyweights Dr Kizza Besigye and People Power Movement boss Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu also known as Bobi Wine.

A day after Betty Nambooze and Joel Ssenyonyi (respectively speaking for Besigye’s People’s Government and Bobi’s People Power) announced this political unity and that the two Principals would be prioritizing the Defiance approach, Interior Minister Jeje Odong convened an urgent session of the National Security Council (NSC).

The security meeting was attended by representatives from IGP, Director General ISO, Director General ESO, Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence, the CDF representing the UPDF and Commissioner General of Prisons.

Consequently, according to state media the military (working with the newly recruited LDUs) has effectively taken charge of all the anticipated anti-Defiance operations in Kampala, Wakiso and (to an extent) Mukono districts.

To effectively counter the joint Defiance activities by Besigye and Bobi Wine, the NSC has created five ‘Security Zones’ covering the politically very volatile district of Kampala.

Each of these is to be superintended over by an army officer of the Lt Colonel rank and above. Much of Wakiso has been assigned to Maj Gen Sam Kawagga who ordinarily Commands 1st Division based in Kakiri.

Lt. Col Stephen Sabiiti, who already doing his work by holding meetings with Boda riders and taxi groups, is overseeing Rubaga Division.

Equally volatile Kawempe Division has been placed under Lt Faisal Luwaga whose leadership of the anti-Defiance operation will be transitional as a more senior appropriate officer is being identified to handle the assignment.

Maj Semakula is overseeing Bulenga and Kyengera areas and will directly be under Gen Kawagga’s supervision and command basing at the 1st Division Kakiri.